Rishi Sunak faces further test as another Johnson ally quits parliament
The Guardian Rishi Sunak is facing a further test of his leadership as another ally of Boris Johnson quit parliament, triggering a third byelection.
Nigel Adams, who had already confirmed his plans to retire at the next general election, on Saturday afternoon decided to stand down with immediate effect.
The former minister was nominated by Johnson for a peerage, but did not make the final list alongside Nadine Dorries, Alok Sharma and Alister Jack. Sunak had blocked Johnsons allies on the peerages list to avoid difficult byelections, which appear to be trickling in regardless.
Announcing his resignation, less than 24 hours after Dorries and Johnson, Adams said on Twitter: Yesterday, Selby Conservatives selected an excellent new parliamentary candidate. Ive today informed the chief whip that I will be standing down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect.
It has been an honour to represent the area where I was raised, educated and I want to thank my constituents for their wonderful support since 2010.
